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When holidays attack

WHILE VOLUNTEERING in Zambia, we took a few days off for some adrenaline experiences in Victoria Falls. On a rafting trip — with the waters at their highest — I flipped into the churning torrent at a rapid called the “Overland Truck Muncher”. I resurfaced after a terrifying 60 seconds, gasping for air, with my shorts around my ankles. The shock brought on a huge asthma attack, worsened by having to climb out of the 600ft gorge at the end of the trip. By the time I reached the top, my skin had blistered with sunburn and I was near delirious. Next day, mesmerised by a view of the Falls, I walked into a low tree branch and knocked myself over, leaving a purple bump on my forehead. I retreated to recover in the safety of our hostel, only to electrocute myself on exposed wiring — not quite the relaxing break I needed.